Italian Fascism 29-3

A Definition of Fascism Fascism is the totalitarian philosophy of government that glorifies the state and nation and assigns to the state control over every aspect of national life. The State not only is the authority which governs and molds individual will with laws and values of spiritual life, but it is also the power which makes its will prevail abroad….For the Fascist, everything is within the State and…neither individuals nor groups are outside the State...For Fascism, the State is an absolute, before which individuals or groups are only relative….Liberalism denied the State in the name of the individual; Fascism reasserts the rights of the State as expressing the real essence of the individual. -- Encylopedia Italiana, 1932

The Fasces Symbol Comes from the Latin word fasces. In ancient Rome, the fasces were cylindrical bundles of wooden rods, tied tightly together around an axe. They symbolize unity and power.

The Characteristics of Fascism

1. Ideology A form of extreme right-wing ideology. It celebrates the nation or the race as an organic community transcending all other loyalties. Powerful and continuing nationalism.  Constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, etc.  Flags are seen everywhere.

2. Subordination to the State Fascism seeks forcibly to subordinate ALL aspects of society to its vision of organic community [usually through a totalitarian state]. It uses organized violence to suppress opposition.  Glorification of force.  Accepts the tenets of Social Darwinism.  Is anti-democratic.

3. Cult of State Worship The individual had no significance except as a member of the state. The fascists were taught:  Credere! [to believe]  Obbedire! [to obey]  Combattere! [to fight]

4. The Myth of Rebirth The “phoenix rising up from the ashes.” Emphasis on a national or racial rebirth after a period of decline or destruction. Calls for a “spiritual revolution” against signs of moral decay [such as individualism and materialism]. Seeks to purge “alien” forces and groups that threaten the organic community.

5. Militarism

6. Rampant Sexism Almost exclusively male-dominated. Traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Divorce, abortion & homosexuality are suppressed. The state is represented as the ultimate guardian of the family institution.

7. Identification of Enemies or Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe. This foe could be racial, ethnic, a religious minority, liberals, communists, etc.

8. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights Because of the fear of enemies and the need for security, the people are persuaded that human rights can be ignored out of “need.” People look the other way or even approve of torture, summary executions, long incarcerations of prisoners, assassinations, etc.

Jews Are the Enemy!

9. Religion & Government Are Intertwined Fascist governments tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. They meld religious rhetoric, symbolism, mythology, etc., into their policies [appears to give a religious imprimatur to government policies!]

10. Disdain for Intellectuals & for the Arts Open hostility to higher education and academia is promoted. Professors and other academics are censored or arrested. Free expression in the arts and letters is openly attacked.

11. Rampant Cronyism & Corruption Fascist regimes are almost always governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each to government positions. This group uses governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. National resources and even treasures can be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.

12. Fraudulent Elections Sometimes elections are a complete sham. Other times, elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates. The use of legislation to control who can vote.

13. Controlled Mass Media

14. Labor Power is Suppressed; Corporate Power is Protected Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are suppressed or independent unions are eliminated. The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist state often are the ones who put the government leaders into power.  This creates a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite!